Lawrie plays three innings in return from DL

TORONTO - Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie played only three innings on Tuesday in his first game back from the disabled list.

Lawrie was removed from the game against the Baltimore Orioles as a precaution with what the club described as lower back tightness.

The 24-year-old suffered a fractured right index finger after he was hit by a pitch on June 22 in Cincinnati and was put on the 15-day disabled list. He returned for Tuesday's game after appearing in three games with single-A Dunedin of the Florida State League, where he hit .400 (4-for-10).

Lawrie singled in the second inning in his first at-bat after he was activated for the opener of a three-game series against the American League East leading Orioles.

In 69 games this season, the right-handed hitter is batting .244 with 12 home runs and 38 runs batted in.

He is known for his exceptional infield defence.

To make room for Lawrie on the roster, the Jays placed infielder Steve Tolleson on the paternity list.

Tolleson, 30, is batting .246 through 73 games this season with three home runs and 13 RBIs.